Michael Le Vell signs new Coronation Street deal

Michael Le Vell is expected to return to 'Coronation Street' around February next year after signing a new deal on the soap

Michael Le Vell is set to return to 'Coronation Street' next year after signing a new deal.

The 48-year-old actor - who was suspended from the ITV soap after being charged with several child sex offences, all of which he has been cleared of - has put pen to paper on a new contract that will see him return to Weatherfield to reprise his role as mechanic Kevin Webster around February time.

One source close to the star told The Sun newspaper: "He just wants to put all this behind him now -- and until he is back on the telly he feels like he is being followed by the hell of the last two years.

"Once he is back at 'Corrie' he can begin rebuilding his life."

Michael has portrayed Kevin - who has gone away to care for his sick dad in 'Corrie' - for 30 years on the soap, but the character has not been seen on screen since February after being written out when Michael was arrested and charged with 12 counts relating to sexual abuse of a minor.

Following a week-long trial last month, Michael was found not guilty of all charges and vowed to return to the cobbles.

When asked from the steps outside the court room when he might be back on 'Coronation Street', he said: "I might have a holiday first. I'll have to go and have a word with my boss."

During the case Michael admitted he had a drink problem and has previously sought help from Alcoholics Anonymous, but his former 'Corrie' co-star Helen Flanagan - who played his on-screen daughter Rosie Webster - recently backed him to return to the soap.

She said: "I don't think if he's been drinking it is such a massive problem really, especially with everything that he's gone through.

"Because I've been with him from a young age I wouldn't really notice that kind of thing. But I'm sure 'Coronation Street', especially after what he's been through, will welcome him with open arms."